It takes a lot for a card to be banned, and I strongly feel that these three hits are justified.First we have Summon Sorceress, the fourth forbidden link monster; she seems to be involved in every unhealthy link combo. Her presence strongly encourages combo decks, which are historically the most problematic decks in the game (Frog FTK, Dark World FTK, Gouki). You’re going to win more games going second now that she’s gone.It’s surprising that it took so long for Dark Matter to become so unhealthy, considering it hard tutors three monsters from one of the most supported types in the game. Being able to send Amorphage Goliath, Eclipse Wyvern, and Arkbrave Dragon was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. Just like with Sorceress, you’re going to win more going second.Rank-Up Magic Launch is an unfortunate victim of the Knightmare Orcust deck. It was clear something had to give when the Outer Entity Azathot combo began to pick up steam, especially considering it only needed to summon Knightmare Mermaid to access the full combo. If they banned Mermaid, Knightmares would lose their only support card. If they banned Azathot, we would just use Sheorcust Dingirisu to make True King of All Calamities. Rank-Up Magic Launch had to take one for the team.

“LIMITED

Lady Debug (new)

Phantom Skyblaster (new)

Sky Striker Ace – Kagari (new)”

Lady Debug is an odd hit to Salamangreat. Most people would agree that she’s the deck’s strongest normal summon; she gets to Salamangreat Gazelle, puts a level four on the field for Abyss Dweller, and combos all by herself. While it’s clear that she’s powerful, Salamangreat will be largely unaffected by this. With the release of Cynet Mining, we effectively went from three Debug to four.One normal summon arguably stronger than Debug is Phantom Skyblaster. At worst, it goes into a link two, AKA a whole Orcust combo; at best, it summons three link materials. It’s an unsearchable powerhouse that turns good hands into unfair hands. While I’m glad this card got hit, it should either be banned or at three. Look forward to a format of losing to the hard-draw one-of.Wow, they finally hit Sky Strikers, and it only took them winning ten premier events over eleven months! Striker will be remembered, much like Dino Rabbit, as “one of the most-fair best-decks”. While Striker is still playable with one Kagari (thanks to Sky Striker Mecharmory – Hercules Base), whether it’s still viable or not remains to be seen. Now we can attack over their link monsters without Sky Striker Ace – Raye summoning another Kagari every time. I look forward to seeing the innovations Striker players make with one Kagari.

“SEMI-LIMITED

Super Polymerization (was limited)”

Super Poly just became the fifth card on the semi-limited list, and the implications are huge. The most obvious takeaway is the interaction with Salamangreat. Gone are the days of not respecting unknown backrow; Salamangreat Balelynx can’t save you from this one. Bluffs are going to become stronger, matches are going to take longer, and people are going to get angrier. Now that they’re twice as likely to see Super Poly, Salamangreat players, who were already siding Super Poly for the mirror, will be able to justify playing cards like Predaplant Dragostapelia or Mudragon of the Swamp to break big boards. Preemptively using Anti-Spell Fragrance or Imperial Order is the only realistic way to escape this nightmare, and considering that they both stop Salamangreat Sanctuary, that might not be too crazy. However, if you run into any madmen playing this card in the main, there’s little more you can do than cross your fingers. What a terrible change to a wonderful format. I hope this card gets banned again.

“NO LONGER ON LIST

Miscellaneousaurus (was limited)”

Dinosaurs might be tier two now. Love this card’s name!

CONCLUSIONS:Striker, Thunder, and Orcust took the biggest hits on this list, and Salamangreat is basically untouched. You’re going to see a lot more Salamangreat players, but it’s not all smooth sailing for them. Thunder is still very powerful, and while the days of Amorphage Goliath are gone, people still have to answer Colossus, Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon, and Number 22: Zombiestein. These will more than likely be the top two decks.Striker and Orcust are going to have to fight hard to remain meta. Striker players may look outside of their engine for answers, such as main decking floodgates, which could put the format in an awkward position. Orcust players have a lot of tools to work with, but they’re going to have to find a completely new combo. Orcustrated Climax and Dingirisu are great additions to the deck, and if someone clever enough piloted this deck, it could do some serious damage.And lastly, for anyone who may be inspired to play dinosaurs: thank you for padding the prize pool!#YPFL- Owsley J. Tanner

Owsley J. Tanner

#YPFL "Long time friend and soon to become a regular contributor to our page. Owsley is a published author of several articles about the game of Yu-Gi-Oh! We are looking forward to hearing more from him in the very near future." Saul 2019, HBIC at Dabbers Cards and Games

On August 5th, 2007, I walked into the ballroom of a Charlotte, NC hotel for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Regional Sneak Preview of Tactical Evolution. Armed with a $20 bill, I registered for the event and marveled at the hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered for a prerelease with extra fanfare. This event was my first time leaving the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina for a card game event, and it wouldn’t be my last.

This article is neither about my story nor about that day. Here, I’m simply giving a glimpse at some of the lessons that I have tried to hold on to after spending 13 years mesmerized by a long line of card games.​

Lesson #1: Success in this hobby is defined by the friends you make.

​Major championships oftentimes can be planned out and function the same as music festivals or other highly social events. I’ve forged some of my dearest friendships on the road while sacrificing opportunities to light other sparks back at home. I will always maintain that the human aspect of the game is better than the actual game itself. ​​

Lesson #2: Play to your “outs”.

Nothing is more tantalizing and disappointing than failing to achieve a goal seemingly within reach. But oftentimes, a retrospective analysis of one’s actions leading up the decisive moment can reveal inconsistencies in how one set out to achieve that goal. Optimal decisions require a constant drive to re-evaluate how best to grant oneself the greatest chance of success.​

Lesson #3: Just keep calm.

The only real control we have is over ourselves, and any attempt to seek control over anything else is simply a lesson in madness. It’s possible to make the most optimal decisions and still lose. It’s possible to say all the right things and not get a call back. The only true path in life is the one you walk alone. If you dwell on things outside of your control, it’s all too easy to lose count of the ways you can make a change. So, keep calm, breathe, and stay inspired.​

Lesson #4: Minimize distractions.

I’ve worked a variety of jobs in vastly different work environments, and my key takeaway from all of them is that the best work is done in an environment individually conducive to oneself. With that in mind, I personally approach studying, writing, playtesting, exercise, and any other task hellbent on minimizing or ignoring outside distractions so I can give 100% of myself to the challenge I face.​

Lesson #5: Yeezy’s aren’t a free pass to wear whatever you want.

In my opinion, this lesson should be self-explanatory but allow me to preach to y’all for a minute: I see way too many people at events wearing Boost 350s expecting that the rest of their outfit can be trash. No Beelzebub, those lime green shorts do not match the aesthetic of your satanic death metal tee. However, Dabbers Cards and Games is expanding its line of clothing constantly so check back to see our newest releases!​Please, feel free to reach out to me or Dabbers with ideas for articles or other written content you’d like to see on the Dabbers blog. My twitter fingers are constantly itching!

Tanner Sparrow

Guest appearing for his first time, Tanner Sparrow share briefly with us some life lessons he has gathered from his time within the world of competitive play. If you enjoy this read stay tuned for more upcoming content.

We here at Dabbers Cards and Games have an understanding in relation to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Banlist. This event is like an unholy ritual. A banlist can make or break a new format, deck, card, etc. What was once an $80 card can wither to $12. What was once a .05 cent common can shoot to $4. We are both elated and terrified all at once.

What is the purpose?

The banlist serves an important purpose for the game of Yu-Gi-Oh! It is meant to balance a game that loves to unbalance the scales. There are no formats in this game. Not like those we see in Magic the Gathering. There is no Modern, or Standard format. We do not have separate card pools for anything comparable. We only have one thing, and that is the Game of Yu-Gi-Oh!

Why have a banlist?

The Banlist helps curve decks down in power level. Without a resource mechanic in Yu-Gi-OH! other than Card Advantage, there tend to be some significantly overpowered cards. Let's look at this format for example. The Meta is clearly defined at the moment, and attendance to Yu-Gi-Oh! events are at an all time high.

Salamangreat

Salamangreat is one of the more commonly played decks right now thanks to its accessibility to the player base. Three Structure decks turning into a meta deck is crazy good. This deck will likely not get hit by the upcoming ban list. It would be bad practice to start banning new products. So it's safe to say if you have invested in this deck than your good...for now.

Thunder Dragon

Speaking of new product. Thunder Dragon Colossus has been suspected to be hit on the upcoming banlist. If not banned, highly unlikely in my opinion, this card should be restricted. The case for this is simply that its too good! It stuns your opponent out of the game then attacks for lethal the next turn. Although, it may be allowed to stay the boogieman for a little while longer. It may work towards keeping the other big decks in check for a little while longer. Still, Restricting this card to one or two should be sufficient enough to keep the deck viable while still allowing Colossus to keep other decks at bay from dominating the format.

Sky Strikers....

It's about time for Konami to take care of Skystrikers. Dark Saviors came out May 25th, 2018. That's an entire year where Sky Striker developed and dominated the formats. That's actually a very long time for any deck to be viable in Yu-Gi-OH! The card pool has grown immensely and yet, Raye and her band of Autothot suits have been destroying the meta ever since they came out. What but what card to hit? They are all so good.

Everyone will probably point to this card as the main culprit, but honestly the deck falls apart without Engage. This card has also gotten a confirmed reprint in an upcoming supplemental set. So it's safe to say this card is most likely not going to be touched. Konami probably has their eyes set on the other cards around this archetype. I'm thinking Widow-Anchor or even Kagari. Regardless, Sky Striker need to get hit one way or another.

Banlists bring new life

A Banlist does more than just put decks down, however. Yu-Gi-OH! is a vibrant and adaptable game. The fact that its card pool is so expansive is what makes the game what it truly is. Decks that were out shined by otherwise dominant decks can step up if not define a whole format. I guess all of that is to say...

It Is time for madolche to shine

Author

Saul AgisAccolades include a few Yu-Gi-Oh! Competitive Tops including one Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Top 32, and multiple Yu-Gi-Oh! regional tops.Co-editor of Road of the King by Patrick HobanNow enjoying life trolling locals and playing with puppies.